MTL@ARI: Domi happy to be back in Arizona, grateful to be a Hab

GLENDALE - Making the move from Arizona to Quebec involved several key adjustments for Max Domi, but everything has worked out just fine for the Canadian sniper.

In addition to finding new digs and getting to know his new teammates, one of the biggest changes involved modifying his wardrobe to meet the vastly different weather conditions north of the border.
Admittedly, the 23-year-old centerman didn't own any winter attire during his three-year stint with the Coyotes, except for a few light coats that complemented his suits.
That all had to change, though, when temperatures began to drop in Montreal and the cold began to set in.
"The whole shorts and flip flops to a morning skate is something that felt weird, but that was like the norm to me," cracked Domi, who met the media on Thursday at Gila River Arena ahead of his first game against his former club since being acquired by the Habs in June. "Now, I'm wearing a coat and boots to go to work. I'm still getting used to that."

His numbers so far this season suggest that a switch in both geographic location and climate hasn't slowed him down one bit.
Through 35 games, Domi leads the Canadiens in scoring with 33 points. He's also on pace to set new single-season highs in all three major offensive categories.
And, he's wholeheartedly embracing life as a Hab.
"Just being able to wear that jersey every game and step out onto the ice at the Bell Centre at home in front of that fan base and the music playing, and then getting ready to go and the history that comes with putting that jersey on, it's pretty surreal," praised Domi. "I think just everything in general of wearing that jersey is something that's a huge privilege and something I don't take for granted. I enjoy every second of it."
Nevertheless, Domi will always have a soft spot for the Coyotes and the Grand Canyon State.
"Arizona is really and truly an unbelievable place to live and to play," mentioned Domi, who was selected 12th overall by Arizona in the 2013 NHL Draft and went on to play 222 games for the organization. "Living in Scottsdale is arguably one of the best places to live in the world. I'd be the first person to admit that. The food. The people here. The weather. Everything is really second-to-none. Then, you get to play hockey here, too. How can you beat that?"

Playing for the winningest franchise in hockey history might just do it. If Domi was going to move on from the 'Yotes, Montreal was an ideal landing spot.
"On the other hand, you've got Montreal, which is the hockey hotbed of the world. As a kid growing up in another hotbed in Toronto, it's definitely a dream come true for me to be able to experience both sides of the spectrum," explained Domi. "They both have a lot of positives, and I'm very thankful I've had the opportunity to take part in both markets."
Looking ahead to a special contest
Domi has been eagerly anticipating his return to Arizona.
It's given him an opportunity to reconnect with some of his good buddies in the Coyotes' locker room.
That being said, Thursday night's matchup is a big one for the Canadiens as they look to snap a two-game losing streak.
"After the first couple of minutes, it's going to be just like any other hockey game where we're going to have to find a way to get the two points," stressed Domi. "We slipped up the last couple of games, and there's no reason we can't get back on track here. Good hockey team over there, and we're ready to go."
The highly-skilled pivot fully expects those first few moments on the ice to bring back some good memories, but he certainly doesn't plan on letting his emotions get the best of him.
"The emotions would come in going through a lot in being drafted here, starting my career out here and kind of making the friends that I made here. That's the emotional part," indicated Domi. "Everything else, that's part of the business. I'm just excited to play a game and see my buddies… It's going to be a very special night, I think."
Head coach Claude Julien has a feeling that Domi will rise to the occasion and seize the moment in his former barn.
"I hope it will motivate him to have a good game," said Julien. "He's adapted well in Montreal. I wouldn't be surprised if he played a really good game tonight."
High praise for Max
During his pre-game press conference, Julien lauded Domi for his willingness to assume any and all responsibilities thrown his way.
The veteran bench boss is clearly a big Domi fan already.
"What I like about Max is, in any situation, whether it was [him being told he'd be playing center], or whether it was moving him around on the power play, his response is always "Put me wherever you want me. I'm just going to do the job." I like those players because they're going to play where you put them and they're going to do everything they can to make it work," explained Julien. "That's a sign of a good player."

Julien also indicated that he won't be making any lineup changes for Thursday night's game. That means that goaltender Carey Price will get another shot at earning his 300th career victory in between the pipes.